Take the Math Placement Test

ALEKS PPL, a web-based program that uses artificial intelligence to map a student’s strengths and weaknesses, is used to determine a student’s math placement score. Most introductory math courses have prerequisites. The prerequisite may be satisfied by taking the prerequisite course or by placement based on your math placement score. The placement test is used to determine the mathematics course in which you will have the greatest likelihood of success. Upon completion of the placement test, your score will be uploaded to your student record within 24-48 hours. See your advisor to determine the appropriate math course you should register for.

The placement test generally takes 60-90 minutes to complete up to 25 questions.

Requirements

You will be required to download the Respondus Lockdown Browser and the Respondus Monitor if they are not already downloaded onto your device AND have a computer with access to a webcam in order to take the math placement test. If a download of the Respondus Lockdown Browser is required, you will need administrator rights to install it. Otherwise, there are no additional plug-ins or applets required with your use of ALEKS PPL. As long as you have reliable internet access and are using an updated browser, you should not experience difficulties in taking your placement test. For a list of preferred browsers, please review the ALEKS system requirements

Test Rules

  1. Students only receive one attempt at the math placement test. Therefore, it is imperative that students make sure they find an appropriate time and space with a reliable internet connection conducive to seriously taking a math placement test.
  2. There are no outside aids, including calculators, allowed on the placement test. For questions on the placement test that require a calculator, ALEKS will provide an on-screen calculator to use. Use of any outside aid is a violation of VCU's Honor System and will be reported to the Division of Student Affairs.
  3. You must stay in frame the entire test. While completing the test you must stay in frame of the camera for the entire test. Students who do not stay in frame the entire time will automatically be placed into Math 129 or Math 131.
  4. There is a two hour time limit to complete the placement test. Students who do not submit the test within the 2 hour time limit will automatically be placed into Math 129 or Math 131. Therefore, it is important that you submit the test before the two hour time limit expires.

ADA Accommodations

If you require ADA accommodations, the math department recommends that you visit the Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity office (SAEO) first so they can provide you with appropriate accommodations. If any accommodations affect testing such as extended time, please send an email to the Math Department at math@vcu.edu and attach your accommodation letter from SAEO. We will work with SAEO to make sure you are able to take the math placement test in a manner that allows you to demonstrate your mathematical ability level. Note that in order to meet all accommodations SAEO may provide, you may be required to take the math placement test in person at the SAEO office during their operating hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for Success

  • Be honest. There is no benefit to cheating on the math placement test. You do NOT receive credit for a math class. It does NOT satisfy the Quantitative Foundations requirement for graduation. It does NOT waive or satisfy a required math class needed to graduate. The only result will be that you enroll in a class that you are not ready for, potentially costing you time and money. 
  • Consider reviewing notes from your last math class, or brush up using online resources prior to starting your placement assessment.
  • Find a space to take the test. Make sure it is quiet and distraction free. You have up to two hours to take your assessment, but most students will complete it in 60-90 minutes.
  • Get out some paper and a pencil to work out your questions the old-fashioned way.
  • Use the tutorial once you are logged in to learn how to use the calculator and graphing tools prior to starting.
  • Don’t forget to check your work and answer as many questions as you can.
  • Don’t be surprised if you are asked questions on material you do not know. In these cases it is appropriate to answer “I don’t know.” However, if you are familiar with the topic it is better to do your best and try to submit an answer. There is no penalty for incorrectly answering a question, it only helps ALEKS better understand what you do and do not know.

Accessing ALEKS

  1. Read the above information about taking the test.
  2. Log in to ALEKS using your VCU eID and password.
  3. Click "Proceed to ALEKS for the Math Placement Test or Prep and Learning Module".
  4. Click into the math placement test course under 'Active Classes'.
  5. Complete the Survey and Tool Tutorial.
  6. Click "Get Started" to begin the math placement test.